Kentucky Derby Horse Fatality Statistics

In this post, we examine the sobering statistics surrounding horse fatalities in relation to the prestigious Kentucky Derby, particularly focusing on data from Churchill Downs, the event’s historic location. The numbers reveal a concerning trend that prompts reflection on the safety and welfare of horses in the horse racing industry.

Statistic 1

"Over the past decade, approximately 6.5 horses out of every 1,000 starters died due to injury at Churchill Downs, the location of the Kentucky Derby, according to the Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database."

Statistic 2

"Between 2009-2019, an average of 2.3 fatal injuries per 1,000 race starters was reported at Churchill Downs."

Statistic 3

"Since 1875, there have been eight horse fatalities during the actual Kentucky Derby race."

Statistic 4

"In 2019, there were 242 recorded horse fatalities during races in the United States, some of these also affect the horses participating in the Kentucky Derby."

Statistic 5

"Churchill Downs, home of the Derby, reported 16 fatalities in 2019 from 3,998 starts."

Statistic 6

"The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act set to take effect in 2022, is expected to reduce the fatality rate in the Kentucky Derby and other major races."

Statistic 7

"According to NBC Sports, the deadliest race tracks in America claimed the lives of 2.68 horses per 1,000 starts in 2018, a statistic that indirectly affects the rate of future Derby fatalities."

Statistic 8

"Historical data shows that an average of 24 horses a week die at racetracks in the United States."

Statistic 9

"18 horses died at Churchill Downs between 2009 and 2014."

Statistic 10

"Between 2010 to 2020, 24 horses died or were euthanized at Churchill Downs, the venue of the Derby because of racing-related injuries."

Statistic 11

"A notable fatality was the 2008 Kentucky Derby runner-up, Eight Belles, who collapsed and died after finishing the race."

Statistic 12

"In 2019, Churchill Downs had a fatality rate of 2.73 per 1,000 starts."

Statistic 13

"In the 144 runnings of the Kentucky Derby, only 3% of races have resulted in a fatality till 2017."

Statistic 14

"In more than a century of racing, a total of nine horses have died either during or after the Kentucky Derby, placing the overall death rate at 0.06%."

Statistic 15

"The oldest horse to win the Derby was 9-year-old Kingman in 1891. 9-year-old horses have a lower death rate than younger horses."

Statistic 16

"In 2018, there were 493 fatal injuries to horses (racing and training) from 354,773 starts across all track surfaces, indirectly relating to odds for the Kentucky Derby."

In conclusion, the statistics surrounding horse fatalities in the context of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing in general are sobering and highlight the inherent risks involved in the sport. Despite efforts such as the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act, fatality rates remain a significant concern, with Churchill Downs specifically experiencing a notable number of horse deaths over the years. These statistics underscore the importance of continuously improving safety practices and regulations within the industry to mitigate the risks faced by both horses and jockeys participating in these high-profile races.